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Audio Classes on Maimonides

The Rambam
Audio | 51:37
Advanced
The Rambam
This class describes the outstanding life of the Rambam and the great books he authored.
Maimonides on Heretics
Do people with mistaken beliefs merit the world to come?
Clarifying seemingly contradictory statements from Maimonides on his attitude towards heretics. Looking at how others, (particularly the Kabbalists) viewed Maimonides' attitude toward people who have erroneous beliefs. And the importance of correct belief vs correct intention.
Tiberias
Part 7
Touring through some of the sites where renowned Sages were interred and bringing them to life by discussing their lives and legacies.
The Rambam - Maimonides
The Codification of the Talmud in the 11th and 12th century.
Kabbalah E = mc²
Audio | 1:13:11
Kabbalah E = mc²
The reason that G-d had to conceal the infinite power in order to create the world. What is the foundation of all foundations and the pillar of all wisdom as Maimonides sees it.
Freedom: Are We Programmed?
This lecture address, from both a philosophical and practical perspective, the timeless question regarding man’s capacity to choose freely notwithstanding G-d’s absolute knowledge and providence, based on the teachings of Maimonides.
Souls on Fire
Audio | 54:26
Souls on Fire
“Yom Kippur is a time of teshuvah (repentance) for all.” Examine this puzzling passage from Maimonides and gain insight into the special nature of this holy day.
What Learning Rambam Accomplishes
The Unique Contribution of Mishneh Torah
The unique accomplishment of Maimonides in codifying and grouping together all of the legal rulings of the Talmud.
Rambam and Jewish Unity
Audio | 23:31
Intermediate
Rambam and Jewish Unity
How Studying Maimonides Brings Us Together
Upon the completion of the 30th cycle of the daily study of Maimonides' Mishnah Torah, Rabbi Manis Friedman explains how one of the Rebbe's stated goals in launching the campaign was to unite world Jewry.
Ashkenazic Versions of Prayers and Blessings in Maimonides' Codes
How censorship and corrupted manuscripts changed the prayers found in Mishneh Toah
Why Did Maimonides Write His ‘Guide for the Perplexed’ in Arabic?
What processes did it go through when translated into Hebrew?
Suprarationalism in the Lubavitcher Rebbe's Reading of Maimonides
Adapted from a talk marking the conclusion of Mishneh Torah, delivered on 27 Adar I 5746 (1986).
The Commentary of the Lubavitcher Rebbe on Maimonides' Mishneh Torah and on Rashi—A Common Approach
The unique approach of the Rebbe, as applied to these two classic works.
Comparing Maimonidean and Habad Approaches to Contemplation of the Divine
Many have noted that the Habad systems of contemplation, developed from the late 18th till 20th centuries, owe a clear debt to Maimonides. This paper seeks to examine the question in more detail.
Maimonides on Purim
Audio | 13:00
Maimonides on Purim
Two perspectives on the Miracle of Purim
Maimonides in the Thought of Leo Strauss
Must we be able to demonstrate the existence of revelation?
Maimonides and Slavery
Rambam’s approach to human dignity
This lecture begins with an overview of Maimonides’ unparalleled contributions to Jewish scholarship, and then focuses on Maimonides’ approach to explaining the biblical institution of slavery.
Saadia Gaon, Maimonides and their Islamic Interlocutors
Five philosophers on G-d, creation, and the health of the soul
Al-Kindi, Al-Razi and Ibn-Tufal were three influential Muslim thinkers who participated in a great intellectual endeavor alongside the most famous Jewish philosophers of the medieval era.
Maimonides On Creation
Must one believe in creation ex nihilo?
A detailed look at Maimonides' approach to creation. Looking at the “Thirteen Principles of Faith”, the “Mishneh Torah” and the “Guide for the Perplexed”. How Maimonides revised his approach in the Thirteen Principles of Faith based on his later thought.
How Did Maimonides Influence Chassidism?
The roots of Chassidic mysticism (devekut) in the writings of Maimonides
Maimonides is often thought of as an ultra rationalist. But several scholars of chassidism have shown that his views on how a human being can become attached to G-d were a seminal influence in the development of chassidic thought and practice.
Articulating Mystery
Embracing tensions in Maimonides’ theology
Throughout Maimonides' writings there is a clear tension between his goal of communicating a clear theosophical vision and his affirmation that ultimately the human mind cannot full grasp the true nature of G-d.
Maimonides and Theodicy
Divine Providence, Free Will, and Suffering as a Philosophical Ailment
A wide ranging philosophical exploration of Maimonides' treatment of divine providence, free will and suffering. Ultimately, through contemplation of G-d man can transcend the spiritual ailment, which is the real source of suffering.
Concepts of G-d in Maimonides and in Tanya
Exploring the divide between Maimonidean rationalism and Chabad mysticism
Maimonides is often portrayed as a rationalist who opposed any form of mysticism. Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi is generally seen as a mystic, albeit one of moderate rationalist inclination. A comparative textual reading reveals that these two greats may have far more in common than is usually thought.
Man Approaching G-d in the Thought of Rambam and Rav Kook
Does man draw near to G-d through intellect or via an intrinsic bond?
An exploration of the different opinions of the Rambam and Rav Kook regarding the ways through which man can approach G-d reveals a more fundamental debate.
Necessary Being and Prime Mover
Philosophy in Maimonides' Legal Code
Although Maimonides' Mishneh Torah is a codification of Jewish law (halacha), we find places in this work where Maimonides addresses philosophical or theological ideas as well. Textual analysis of Maimonides' Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah (Laws [which are] the Foundations of the Torah.)
Maimonides: Rationalist or Mystic?
The World View of the Rambam
Can Maimonides' intellectual approach be characterized as rationalistic or mystical? Is there evidence that he studied and even embraced kabbalistic teachings?
The Oxford Manuscript of Mishneh Torah
Director of the Chabad Society at Oxford University, Rabbi Eli Brackman, discusses the Oxford library's treasured manuscript of Maimonides' Mishneh Torah and what makes it unique.
What Did Maimonides Say About Islam?
What is the status of an individual forcibly converted to Islam according to Maimonides?
When You Want to Just Give It a Break
An Essay on Vayeishev
The Talmud states, “For the wicked, sleep is good for them and good for the world, but for the righteous, it is bad for them and bad for the world.” There is no rest for the righteous. When a tzaddik wants to rest, God does not let him, as if to say that the lack of tranquility is an essential part of being a tzaddik.
Moses, Maimonides and the Alter Rebbe
Letters and Numbers of Torah - Shemot
When G-d shows Moses a sign by having him turn a staff into a snake, G-d asks Moses, (Exodus 4:2) "What is this in your hand?" But the two words, "mah zeh" ("what is this") are spelled in the Torah as one word, "mizeh" ("from this.") How does the term "mizeh" hint to the Alter Rebbe and Maimonides whose yahrzeits are this week?
Rambam: Introduction Part 1
Counting the 613 Commandments
Rambam's Book of Mitzvahs
What was unique about Maimonides Sefer HaMitzvot in which he lists and defines each of the 613 commandments of the Torah?
Rambam: Introduction Part 1
Forty Generations from Moses to the Talmudic Sages
Maimonides and the Sephardic Rishonim
The Jews in Exile
This class covers the lives of several important Sephardic scholars of the medieval period (“Rishonim”), including Rabbeinu Yitzchak Alfasi and Ibn Ezra. The bulk of the class is spent on the life of Maimonides.
Biographical Sketch of the Rambam
Studies in Maimonides: Lesson 1
This seven-part series on the works of Maimonides begins with a brief overview of his life.
Literary Legacy
Audio | 17:00
Literary Legacy
Studies in Maimonides: Lesson 2
Maimonides' early writings, including his Commentary on the Mishnah and his Sefer HaMitzvot.
Background of Mishneh Torah
Studies in Maimonides: Lesson 3
A perspective for understanding the sheer magnitude of Maimonides' accomplishments in codifying the entire body of Jewish law.
Structure and Contents of Mishneh Torah
Studies in Maimonides: Lesson 4
A description of the style and format Maimonides chose for composing his magnum opus, the complete codex of Jewish law known as Mishneh Torah.
Guide for the Perplexed
Studies in Maimonides: Lesson 5
An overview of Maimonides' major theological treatise, its objectives, its structure and its historical context.
Maimonides as Rationalist
Studies in Maimonides: Lesson 6
A critical examination of Maimonides' famed idealization of reason and intellect as a theme throughout his works.
Maimonidean Controversy
Studies in Maimonides: Lesson 7
Maimonides' response to the contemporary criticism, and even fierce opposition, to his works.
The Role of a King
Audio | 42:32
The Role of a King
Maimonides on the Role of Monarchy
An overview of traditional Jewish sources on the pros and cons of autocratic rule with a special emphasis given to the opinion of Maimonides.
Maimonides on the Sounding of the Shofar
Analysis through the lens of manuscripts of Mishneh Torah held at the Bodleian Library, Oxford.
The Image of King David In Maimonides' Mishneh Torah
How Maimonides draws on King David in describing love and fear of G-d and the concept of Moshiach.
The Tzemach Tzedek and the Jewish Philosophic Tradition
An overview of the work Sefer Hachakirah
A detailed look at Sefer Ha'chakirah, a book of philosophy by the third Chabad rebbe, the Tzemach Tzedek. Examining how the Tzemach Tzedek uses his own ideas as well as the works of other Jewish philosophers such as Maimonides and Joseph Albo to prove divine creation.
Where to Look for Miracles
A Dispute Between Rambam and Ramban
An analysis of the respective opinions of two great Jewish thinkers reveals a deeply subtle point of contention regarding divine intervention in the created world.
The Natural Language of Maimonides and His Contemporaries
Glimpses into the lost world of Judeo-Arabic thought and literature.
A Case of Forced Apostasy?
Reflections on the Jacob Barnet affair in light of a legal ruling attributed to Maimonides
Analyzing the fascinating story of Jacob Barnet, a respected Jew in Oxford in 1612, who had initially agreed to convert to Christianity, in-order to become a faculty member at Oxford, but subsequently changed his mind.
Parshah Mnemonics: Shemot
Decoding the hidden messages
The parsha of Shemot contains 124 verses and the mnemonic for are the words ‘vayikach’ and ‘maday’. Explore the coded message in the mnemonic and its connection to the general themes of the Parshah.
Fair Weights and Measures
Why does Maimonides equate the commandment of keeping fair weights and measures to the commandment of believing in the Exodus? The answer leads to a better understanding of the Exodus as the foundation of all commandments and also the issue of free choice in the face of Divine decree. (Based on Likkutei Sichos, vol. 27, Kedoshim pp. 149)
Does Chanukah Commemorate War or Peace?
Two Versions of the Timeline of the Maccabee's Victory
Among the early Talmudic commentaries, there are two opinions about the chronology of events commemorated on Chanukah. One says that the war was won on the 24th of Kislev and that the first day of Chanukah, the 25th of Kislev, is the anniversary of the first day of peace. The other says that on one day, the 25th of Kislev, the Maccabees both won the war and rededicated the Temple.
The most renowned of the Jewish medieval scholars, Maimonides indelibly changed the face of Judaism. Read about his scholarship and achievements, and the modern-day global campaign to incorporate his teachings into every Jew’s daily study schedule.
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